Hydrologist & Water Resources Expert

Ashish
Chapagain

MSc Hydrology & Meteorology, Tribhuvan University. Six-plus years of hands-on experience in hydrological modelling, river basin analysis, and hydropower project assessment across Nepal's most challenging Himalayan watersheds.

6+
Years Experience
5+
Major Projects
341MW
Largest Project
Scroll to explore

Bridging Science & Field Practice

I am a hydrologist with a Master's degree from the Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Tribhuvan University — one of Nepal's leading institutions for water science. My dissertation focused on the impact of climate change on water availability in the Trishuli River Basin.

Over six years at RECHAM Consult, I have progressed from assistant to lead hydrologist, contributing to major hydropower projects ranging from detailed engineering designs to full environmental and social impact assessments in remote Himalayan settings.

My work spans both intensive fieldwork — establishing hydrological stations, collecting observation data, measuring sediment loads — and computational modelling using SWAT, J2000, and ArcGIS.

MSc Dissertation

Impact of Climate Change on Water Availability in the Trishuli River Basin — combining SWAT modelling with downscaled climate projections.

Field Expertise

Established hydrological monitoring stations for 341 MW Budhi Gandaki and Bheri-1 projects; conducted long-term rating curve and sediment studies.

Research Contribution

Collaborated with Kathmandu University's HiCCDRC on Himalayan cryosphere, climate, and disaster research from 2023 to 2024.

Professional Experience

A track record of delivering rigorous hydrological assessments for Nepal's major hydropower and water infrastructure projects.

Jun 2024 – Present
Active
Hydrologist
RECHAM Consult Pvt. Ltd.
Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectric Project (341 MW)
Establishment of Hydrological Station, collection of observation data, preparation of Rating Curve, sediment measurement and study.
Apr 2023 – Apr 2024
Hydrologist
Kathmandu University – HiCCDRC
Himalayan Cryosphere, Climate and Disaster Research Center
Hydrological research at the School of Science, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering.
Jul 2020 – Sep 2023
Hydrologist
RECHAM Consult Pvt. Ltd.
Bheri-1 Hydropower Project
Establishment of Hydrological Station, collection of observation data, sediment measurement and study.
Dec 2018 – Mar 2020
Hydro-Meteorologist
RECHAM Consult Pvt. Ltd.
Lower Ghunsa Hydropower Project
Detailed Engineering Design and Environmental Impact Assessment including Social Impact Assessment.
Dec 2018 – Dec 2019
Hydro-Meteorologist
RECHAM Consult Pvt. Ltd.
Upper Ghunsa Hydropower Project
Detailed Engineering Design and Environmental Impact Assessment including Social Impact Assessment.
May 2018 – Apr 2019
Assistant Hydro-Meteorologist
RECHAM Consult Pvt. Ltd.
Bheri-1 Hydropower Project
Detailed Engineering Design and Environmental Impact Assessment including Social Impact Assessment.

Skills & Tools

Hydrological Modelling
SWAT / SWAT+
Hydrological Modelling
J2000 Glacio-Hydrological Model
Geospatial
ArcGIS
Analytics
Data Analysis & Visualisation
Field Hydrology
Rating Curve Preparation
Field Hydrology
Sediment Measurement
Assessment
EIA / SIA
Research
Climate Impact Modelling
Nepali — Native
English — Fluent
Hindi — Conversant

Education & Training

Awarded July 2023
Master's Degree in Hydrology & Meteorology
Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu
Dissertation: Impact of Climate Change on Water Availability in Trishuli River Basin
Awarded September 2018
Bachelor's Degree in Meteorology
Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu

Conferences & Training

2023
Poster: Application of SWAT Model in Trishuli River Basin
37th Anniversary, CDHM – TU
2022
Hydrological Modeling & Data Analysis – SWAT and Hydrological Indicators
University of Rhode Island & Small Earth Nepal
2022
Water Quality Assessment of Dhobikhola and Bishnumati River
CREEW, Kathmandu
2022
Poster: Hydrological Analysis of Kali Khola Basin
36th Anniversary, CDHM – TU
2018
Connecting Lives with Land, Water and Environment
SAARC Youth Scientific Conference
2017
Basic GIS with Surfer Handling
SOHAM-Nepal
2015
Climate Knowledge for Climate Action
Various Meteorological & Hydrological Organizations

Contact & References

Open to research collaborations, consulting engagements, and senior hydrologist positions. Feel free to reach out via email or phone.

📧
Email
ashishchapagain49@gmail.com
ashish.76558@cdhm.tu.edu.np
📱
Mobile / WhatsApp
+977 9860452619
📍
Location
Sankhuwasava, Nepal 56900

References

Dr. Suresh Marahatta
Thesis Supervisor
Tribhuvan University
suresh.marahatta@cdhm.tu.edu.np
Binod Pokharel
Executive Officer
RECHAM Consult Pvt. Ltd.
binod52@gmail.com